Pinsent Masons
A UK-headquartered international firm known for energy, infrastructure, and technology
About Pinsent Masons
Pinsent Masons is a UK-headquartered international law firm founded in 1769, with over 490 partners and approximately 3,500 employees across 29 offices globally. Revenue in 2024/25 was £680 million. The firm operates exclusively across five global sectors: financial services, technology, science and industry, energy, real estate and infrastructure — a deliberate sector focus that distinguishes it from broader-based international firms.
Pinsent Masons has more PLC clients than any UK law firm except one. The firm is also notable for operating Vario, a contract lawyer platform launched in 2013, and for running a broader professional services model that sits alongside traditional legal practice — reflecting an explicit ambition to be a "purpose-led professional services business with law at the core."
The training contract is based across London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds offices across four six-month seats. The firm recruits primarily through its vacation placement programme — vacation placement participants are automatically considered for a training contract without submitting a separate application. The firm partners with University of Law for SQE preparation. The SQE provider is University of Law (ULaw) with all fees funded by the firm.
Practice areas & rankings
Pinsent Masons achieved 112 practice area rankings in Chambers UK 2026, reflecting its breadth across multiple offices and the depth of its sector-focused practices. The firm is consistently recognised for innovation and was named in the FT Innovative Lawyers reports. Pinsent Masons won the Innovative Lawyers in Responsible Business award for its work on green infrastructure financing. The firm was also recognised in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 for construction, energy, real estate, and technology.
Energy and natural resources
One of the firm's most prominent practices. Pinsent Masons advises on the full energy spectrum with particular depth in renewables, nuclear, oil and gas, and energy transition. The firm's sector focus means energy expertise is integrated across corporate, finance, projects, planning, and disputes practices.
Infrastructure and projects
A leading UK infrastructure practice advising on major construction, transport, utilities, and social infrastructure projects. The firm's construction practice is one of the most active in the UK — consistently ranked for both contentious and non-contentious construction work.
Technology, science, and industry
A major technology practice reflecting the firm's explicit sector focus. Covers data protection, digital transformation, IP, regulated technology transactions, and AI governance. The firm advises many of the UK's leading technology and science companies.
Real estate
A comprehensive real estate practice spanning development, investment, planning, and real estate finance across the UK and internationally. One of the most active practice areas for trainees at Pinsent Masons.
Finance
A significant finance practice covering banking, acquisition finance, infrastructure finance, and real estate finance — closely integrated with the firm's sector specialisms.
The application process
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The online application form covers personal details, academic history, and work experience. The firm reviews applications holistically — legal work experience is not required and all experience demonstrating transferable skills is valued. Mitigating circumstances are taken into account. Career changers are explicitly welcomed.
How to answer why youPinsent Masons: quick answers
How much does Pinsent Masons pay trainees?
Pinsent Masons pays first-year trainees £54,000, rising to £59,000 in the second year. Newly qualified solicitors at Pinsent Masons earn £109,000.
When is the Pinsent Masons vacation scheme deadline?
Pinsent Masons's vacation scheme applications close on 4 Nov for the 2026/27 cycle. Deadlines can change and popular schemes may close early, so check the live application deadlines tracker.
How many trainees does Pinsent Masons take on?
Pinsent Masons takes on around ±70 trainees in each intake, so places are competitive and strong applications matter.
What tests does Pinsent Masons use in its applications?
Pinsent Masons uses an online blended assessment submitted alongside the application form. The assessment includes a mix of question types reflecting realistic trainee tasks — situational judgment, verbal reasoning, and competency-based scenarios. The blended format is designed to be fair and to give candidates from all backgrounds an equal opportunity to demonstrate their potential. The firm's early talent team reviews applications alongside the assessment results.
What grades do you need to apply to Pinsent Masons?
To apply to Pinsent Masons you will generally need a 2:1 degree. At A-level, Pinsent Masons asks for 120 UCAS. Requirements can flex where there are mitigating circumstances, so always check the firm's own criteria if your grades differ.
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